The Delaware ledger. (Newark, Del.) 1879-19??, 1887-04-23

Gordon followed the direction of
the extended finger and saw wom-
ans form leaning out of the third
story window. A groan of horror
went up from the crowd.
"She is lost, " said brawmy fire
man close beside Gordon; "the stair
is a mass Of flames. No earthly aid
can reach her Poor thing p
But where are the ladders p ask
ed the gentleman.
Ladder wagon broke down ten
squares away. Some men have Just
gone after one, but long before they
get back the whole building will be
IN a crisp. Father in heaven look
at that ~
His exclamation was caused by a
bright billow Of glaring bursting out
from the windows of the second
story
The street was illuminated like
day, Gordon looked up. The white
form was still to be seen. A culver
ran through his frame. Did his
eyes deceive him? That white face
so full of agony. 1t could be no
other; he was looking at Jessie
Kerr. The blood rushed from his
heart; his very veins seemed on fire.
She had deceived him, but he had
long since forgiven, although he
could never forget.
Should he stand there and see her
die before his eyes God forbid
He was man by the memory of
the love he had felt for her, did feel
at this supreme moment, and would
through all time and eternity, he
would save her for his rival, or per.
ish in the attempt.
Giving hoarse shout to cncour-
age the frightened girl, he made IL
rush for the doorway.
Strong arms seized the seeming
mailman to hold him back. With a
strength born of love and lespera-
ton, he shook the men off as if they
had been so many toys. Another
instant and the bold fellow had van
ished through the volumes of smoke
that poured from the open door.
"IIe is lost, the smoke has suffo-
Gated him." is the general cry, when
the moments pass and he does not
appear.
A cry that makes the welkin ring
arises from thousands of Threats A
mans form has appeared beside the
girl. He seizes her in his arms.
wraps some covering around her,
and then both disappear from view.
Another period of terrible suspense,
then Gordon Fleming staggers from
the building, bearing the girl in his
arms. They are led to house near
ut hand. She is unframed he
bleeds from Il dozen painful burns,
and his once glorious beard has van
ished.
The women folks carry his burden
INTO another room to revive her
Gordon sinks into a chair dazcd and
helpless, and yet knowing that he
has saved her.
A man PUSHES past him. 1t is his |
successful rival. gone to claim his
own. The minutes pass bv. and
still he sits there unable to move |
Then the man comes hastily from
the inner room and clasps his hand
warmly, although Gordon tries in Il
feeble way to get loose.
"lIow can ever thank YOU
enough ?" the other says.
by not mentioning it. did my |
duty and nothing more. Now / |
would 20 where shall never see her
again. God help me-" And Cor
don rises to his feet, although he
staggers.
You cannot must not 90. You
are hurt wounded in saving one
very dear to mc. Stay, and let me
be your nurse
"You?' cries Gordon. Never"
AT least let me have your name,
that ! may see you again" saws the !
other, whose face is marvel Of puz-
lied wonder.
1T is Gordon Fleming. saved
her for you; now let me 90.
Stay says the other, light
breaking upon him, there is one
other who will insist on thanking
you. If am not mistaken. you
knew my sister Jessie once"
Your sister almost shricks Gor-
don.
He puts his hand to his brow: lis
brain seems on fire, as this truth
flashes into his mind. Then with
great cry, he rushes into the next
room before his companion can lift
an arm to prevent him.
Jessie Kerr is seated il an easy
chair, left alone for moment. Her